CALABASAS LIFESTYLE

The Journal

Your Guide to the People, Places & Experiences That Define Our Communities

FROM THE CANYON TO THE COAST

Welcome to The Journal

Meet the people, places, businesses, and experiences shaping life from the canyon to the coast. From local happenings and inspiring personalities to exceptional dining, luxury living, and hidden gems, The Journal brings you the stories worth discovering across Calabasas, Malibu, Westlake Village, Agoura Hills, and Woodland Hills.

Things to do in Malibu: an easy guide to a day on the coast

Long wooden Malibu Pier with white towers extending into the Pacific Ocean.

Photo: Levi Clancy, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Unmodified.

Planning a day on the coast? Our Malibu guide covers the pier, Adamson House, Point Dume and Malibu Creek State Park, plus current closures to check first. Click here to read the whole story


Things to do in Woodland Hills: parks, shopping and a hillside hike

Wide interior walkway at Westfield Topanga mall with shoppers and storefronts.

Photo: Busition, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0. Unmodified.

Looking for things to do in Woodland Hills? Our guide covers Warner Center Park, Serrania Ridge Trail, Topanga Village and a seasonal tree lot near Pierce College. Click here to read the whole story


Calabasas Celebrities: What the City Is Famous For and Where Locals Go

Fountains and Mediterranean-style buildings at The Commons at Calabasas shopping center.

Photo: Tomharlyu, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0. Unmodified.

Searching for Calabasas celebrities? Here is what is public and useful: why the city carries so much star power, how neighboring Hidden Hills fits in, what the Census says about local incomes and where locals actually shop and dine. Click here to read the whole story


Bella Leigh Jewelry: Lab-Grown vs. Natural Diamonds, Explained in Encino

Tracey Shindler, founder of Bella Leigh Jewelry in Encino

Lab-grown or natural? Tracey Shindler of Bella Leigh Jewelry breaks down what actually separates the two - and what doesn't - in plain language. Read the whole story.


October events in Calabasas, Malibu and Westlake

Pumpkin patch in autumn

Photo: Pexels.

Pumpkin festivals, a glowing pumpkin trail, a fashion show and a big weekend at Zuma Beach. See what is on around our five communities for the rest of October. Read the whole list.


Durango at Topanga Village? New Plans Point to Casa Luna in Woodland Hills

Illustrative Mexican tacos and horchata, not Casa Luna or Durango

Illustrative food photo, not Casa Luna or Durango. Photo: Joyboy / Pexels.

The Topanga Village space first announced for Durango now appears to be headed for Casa Luna. Here is what Woodland Hills diners should know about the change, the location and why early 2027 remains a target rather than a confirmed opening. Read the full restaurant update.


Things to do in Westlake Village: parks, shopping and an easy afternoon out

Covered electric boats moored on Westlake Lake with homes and green hills behind them.

Boats on privately managed Westlake Lake, photographed in 2008. Photo: Rostom Aghanian, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Unmodified.

Looking for things to do in Westlake Village without planning a whole weekend around it? Start with a picnic at Berniece Bennett Park, an active afternoon at Community Park or lunch and browsing at nearby The Promenade. Our guide also explains what to know before planning a visit to privately managed Westlake Lake. Click here to read the whole story.


Things to do in Calabasas: an easy guide to a day close to home

You don't need a packed schedule to enjoy Calabasas. A little local history, a walk outdoors and a good lunch can turn a free afternoon into a day worth remembering. The trick is choosing a few stops that fit your mood instead of trying to see everything.

If you're looking for things to do in Calabasas, start with three places: Leonis Adobe Museum for history, The Commons at Calabasas for shopping and dining, and nearby Malibu Creek State Park for time outdoors. Pick one as your main stop, then build the rest of the day around it. Read more...

 


 

What Opened and Closed in Agoura Hills - September 2026

 

Agoura Hills was the quietest of our five areas in September. Here is what we could confirm. Read more


 

 

What Opened and Closed in Westlake Village - September 2026

A quieter month in Westlake Village, with a few changes at The Shoppes and one chain expansion on the horizon.

Read more


 

What Opened and Closed in Woodland Hills - September 2026

Coming late 2026: In-N-Out

Canyon News reports a new In-N-Out is planned for 22822 Ventura Blvd near Fallbrook Avenue, set to open in late 2026. (Canyon News)

Read the whole story

 


 

 

 

What Opened and Closed in Malibu - September 2026

Malibu said goodbye to a 15-year neighborhood restaurant in September. Here is the roundup.

Read the whole story here

 


 

 

What Opened and Closed in Calabasas - September 2026

Read more here


 

The Digital Loyalty Card Any Local Business Can Launch in a Day

 

What is Boomerangme?

 

Boomerangme is a digital loyalty platform for local businesses. Customers add your loyalty card to their Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. No app to download and no plastic card to lose. The card sits on their phone, and you can send them offers. Read More

 

What a local business can do with it

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

A cult-favorite San Diego taqueria is bringing Baja flavor to the Conejo Valley.

 

Good news for anyone who's ever driven two and a half hours south just for a proper taco. The Taco Stand, the San Diego taqueria with a devoted following up and down the coast, has added Westlake Village to its list of upcoming locations.

The brand hasn't announced an address or an opening date yet. Still, seeing "Westlake Village, California" on the company's coming-soon lineup is enough to get our attention. We're already guessing where it'll land. Read the whole story here...

 


 

How to Advertise in Calabasas and Actually Get Customers

 

If you own a business in Calabasas, Malibu or anywhere in the Conejo Valley, you've probably felt it: you spend money on ads, the impressions look impressive, and the phone doesn't ring any more than it did last month.

The problem usually isn't your business or your offer. It's who the ads are reaching and when. This guide covers what works when you advertise in Calabasas today, and how local businesses are getting more customers without wasting budget on people who were never going to buy.  Read the whole story here

 

 

Best Patios in Calabasas: Where to Eat Outside This Season

 

If you're looking for the best patios in Calabasas, you're in the right place. Calabasas doesn't do "just okay" weather, so it makes sense that some of the best outdoor dining in the 818 happens right here. Whether you're after string lights and a glass of wine or a laid-back lunch in the sun, here are five Calabasas restaurants with patios worth the drive. Check it out...

 


 

 

After 28 Years, Marmalade Cafe Is Closing at The Commons at Calabasas

By Calabasas Lifestyle

 

Read the whole story here...


 

Rick Caruso Just Bought Sherwood Lake Club — And Renamed It. Here's What It Means for Our Community.

By Calabasas Lifestyle


Something significant just landed in our backyard — and if you live in Calabasas, Westlake Village, Lake Sherwood, or the surrounding communities, this story is worth paying close attention to.

Rick Caruso, through his Caruso company, has acquired the 18-hole Sherwood Lake Club in Lake Sherwood. And in true Caruso fashion, he moved fast. "It was offered to me on a Friday afternoon, and we signed the paperwork on Tuesday," Caruso said.

The deal is done. The renovations have already begun. And the club has a new name. Read the entire story here...

 


 

5 Ways Small Businesses Are Funding Growth in 2026

By Calabasas Lifestyle


 

Running a small business in Calabasas, Malibu, or Westlake Village comes with a particular set of advantages — an affluent customer base, a thriving local economy, and a community that genuinely supports local. But it also comes with the same challenge every small business owner faces regardless of zip code: finding the capital to grow when you need it most.

Whether you're opening a second location, purchasing equipment, hiring staff, or simply managing cash flow through a slower season, the right funding at the right time can be the difference between staying still and moving forward. Here's a look at the five most effective ways local business owners are funding growth right now — and what each one means for your specific situation. Click here to learn more...


 

Urban Golf Performance Is Opening in Woodland Hills This September — Here's What Golfers Need to Know

By Calabasas Lifestyle

Urban Golf Performance (Image credit: Urban Golf Performance)


Golfers in the West Valley just got some very good news.

Urban Golf Performance, the premium golf training facility known for treating every player like a tour professional, is opening its fifth Southern California location at 6537 Topanga Canyon Blvd in Woodland Hills — and they're targeting a September opening.

For residents of Woodland Hills, Calabasas, and Westlake Village, this is the closest Urban Golf Performance has ever been. Read more...

 


 

Lucky's Steakhouse Eyes Beverly Hills Expansion — And It's Closer to Calabasas Than You Think

By Calabasas Lifestyle

 

 

Lucky's Steakhouse, the beloved high-end steakhouse with an existing Malibu location, is planning to expand into Beverly Hills — and the move puts one of the West Coast's most respected steak houses even closer to the communities we cover.

The Montecito-based institution is eyeing the former Nerano space at 9960 S. Santa Monica Blvd in Beverly Hills, with a December opening currently on the table. Nerano, the Italian restaurant that occupied the space for nearly a decade, announced its closure effective July 25. Read more...


 

 

A California Fashion Brand That Wears Its Vintage Roots Like a Second Skin

Julia Chase spent decades in London's vintage markets refining her eye. Now Malibu Road is where that instinct lives — custom blazers, sun-washed denim, and California ease.

 

Picture a blazer you found at Portobello Market in 1987 — the kind with perfect lapels and a story stitched into every seam — but cut for the life you actually live now. That's the feeling Julia Chase has spent a career chasing and a brand perfecting. Read more...


The Smart Local’s Guide: How to Choose a Curated Local Directory for Calabasas & Malibu

 

Finding the best local businesses in Calabasas and Malibu shouldn't feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. With so many online directories out there, how do you spot the curated local directory Calabasas residents trust? This guide breaks down what really matters when choosing your go-to source, so you can enjoy authentic recommendations without the clutter. Ready to see why Calabasas Lifestyle sets the standard for modern luxury local media? Read more...

 

Choosing the Right Local Directory

 

 

 

Top Features to Look For in a Local Business Directory: Calabasas to Malibu Edition

 

Finding reliable local businesses shouldn’t feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Yet, many directories overload you with endless options and little real insight. That’s why knowing the best local directory features can save you time and connect you with trusted spots from Calabasas to Malibu. Let’s explore what makes a local business directory truly helpful for residents, visitors, and business owners alike. Learn more about essential directory features here. Click here for the whole story...

 

Essential Directory Features

 

A directory packed with the right features can make all the difference. It's about finding what you need quickly and efficiently.


 

Curate to Captivate: Why Thoughtful Curation is Essential for Luxury Lifestyle Marketing in Calabasas & Malibu

 

Most local marketing feels like shouting into an empty room. You want your premium brand to reach affluent consumers who actually care—and that takes more than just ads. Thoughtful curation cuts through the noise by telling stories that connect with Calabasas luxury and Malibu businesses on a personal level. Keep reading to see how a curated local guide can reshape your local marketing strategy and bring your brand the spotlight it deserves. For more insights, check out this resource on luxury marketing. Read the full story

 

The Art of Thoughtful Curation

 


Unlocking Local Secrets: Top Tips for Finding Reliable Services in Calabasas and Malibu

 

Finding trusted local services in Calabasas and Malibu can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. You want dependable pros who know the community and deliver quality without the guesswork. That’s where a solid insider guide makes all the difference. Let’s walk you through the top tips to connect with Calabasas local services and Malibu reliable services that truly stand out. Explore more on how to find quality local services. Click here for the whole story...

 

 


 

Calabasas-Area Favorite Pedaler’s Fork Expands to Los Angeles

 

A restaurant well-known to Calabasas-area diners is taking its signature “little bit of everything” concept to a second location in Los Angeles. Click here for the story...


 

Discover Calabasas: Your Ultimate Hub for Local Events & Savings

 

Most people miss out on the best Calabasas events because they don’t know where to look. You shouldn’t have to hunt down local savings or Calabasas deals one by one. That’s where Calabasas Lifestyle steps in—your one-stop hub for easy access to all the happenings, discounts, and local business support right here in town. Check out this link for more details! Click Here for the whole story!


 

Senior Living in Calabasas & Malibu: What’s Here Now—and What’s Coming Next

 

 

Calabasas and Malibu attract people for the same reasons they always have: sunshine, beauty, a slower pace (by L.A. standards), and a lifestyle that feels elevated without feeling showy. For older adults, that translates into a growing mix of “active adult” (55+) living, assisted living, memory care, and future life-plan communities—plus a handful of high-end options just outside Malibu’s city limits. Click here for the whole story!

 


 

Is Calabasas, California a Good Place to Live? A Local’s Guide

Calabasas, California is one of the most searched cities in Southern California — and for good reason. Known for its privacy, natural beauty, and upscale lifestyle, Calabasas consistently attracts families, entrepreneurs, creatives, and high-profile residents looking for a refined yet relaxed way of life. Click here for the full story!

 


 

Building Trust: The Power of Comprehensive Business Profiles in Calabasas Lifestyle

 

Most online directories stop at a business name and phone number. That leaves you guessing if a shop or service really fits your needs. On Calabasas Lifestyle, comprehensive business profiles bring trusted local businesses to life with photos, menus, reviews, and more—helping you make confident choices. Let’s explore how these detailed profiles boost community engagement and connect you with the best in town. For more insights on building trust, check out this resource. Click here for the full story!

 


 

Find Trusted Services Near You in Just a Few Clicks!

 

 

 

Finding reliable Calabasas services used to take hours of searching and second-guessing. Now, you can skip the hassle and connect with trusted services around Calabasas and Malibu in just a few clicks. Calabasas Lifestyle puts local businesses, exclusive deals, and community happenings all in one spot, making it easy to support your neighborhood while saving time. Ready to see what’s nearby? Check out local services here.


 

The Heartbeat of Calabasas: Why Supporting Local Businesses Matters

 

 

Local business support in Calabasas isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s what keeps our community buzzing. When you choose local shops and eateries, you’re putting money right back into the Calabasas community, making sure neighbors thrive and unique spots stick around. Stick around to see how backing local businesses brings perks for you, your wallet, and the whole neighborhood. For more resources and information, check out this link.

 


 

Strengthening Our Roots: The Importance of Local Connections in Calabasas and Malibu

 

 

Local connections in Calabasas and Malibu aren’t just nice to have—they shape how you experience this community every day. When you know your neighbors and favorite spots, everything feels more welcoming and authentic. In this post, you’ll see why building those ties matters now more than ever and how Calabasas Lifestyle helps you support local businesses while enjoying all that the Malibu community offers. Check out this link for more insights on the importance of local communities.


 

Behind the Scenes of Local Business Growth: What’s Driving Success in Our Community

 

Local business growth in Calabasas and Malibu isn’t just about profits—it’s about people coming together to build something real. Behind every thriving shop and buzzing café, there’s a story of neighbors supporting neighbors and smart moves that keep the community buzzing. Stick around to see what’s driving business success here and how your support can keep that momentum rolling. Click here for the full story...


 

Discover Hidden Gems and Events: Your Guide to Using Calabasas Lifestyle

 

Most guides just list businesses—you want more than that. Calabasas Lifestyle connects you with hidden gems and local events that bring the Malibu community to life. Using this local business directory, you’ll find spots and happenings that make Calabasas feel like home, while supporting the businesses that keep our neighborhoods thriving. Let’s show you how to discover Calabasas like a true insider. Check out this link for more authentic tourism information: Click here to read more...